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Disappointing that the SBIR/STTR programs are not reauthorized in this legislation. The program expires in 2 months and certain Republicans seem hell-bent on letting it die.

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With rules in the last decade to admit hedge fund ownership, the SBIR/STTR program now poorly supports small businesses. It'd be nice to see the program lapse, the funds could better support other activities.

The funds are already there. It's not an additional amount, but just a % of the overall agencies budget.

I also personally don't have an issue with the VC fund ownership rules but my industry (biotech) necessitates it more than maybe others.

Except that substantial VC investment is seen as a strong signal by NSF that they should fund.

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